Hot topics in November

Sauna sensations

TEXT SARA MOUSLY

Nowhere do we come closer to complete strangers than we do in the sauna, but regardless what country you’re in, it’s always rude to stare. All the more reason to relax and enjoy these incredible views and stunning designs from all over the world

1

Wa_Sauna

Seattle, USA

Freedom is the tiniest hut! There’s room for up to six people inside this floating sauna in Seattle, Washington – the brainchild of ­goCstudio. Relax and survey the skyline while you sweat, then dive from the roof to cool off.

3

Löyly Sauna

Helsinki, Finland

This pine-cloaked structure created by Avanto Architects stands firm as a rock on the edge of a former industrial district in Finland. Inside, it has public saunas and private rental cabins. A huge terrace runs all around the outside.

4

Sauna in Frihamnen

Gothenburg, Sweden

What looks like a stranded spaceship or a helpless robot is actually the most spectacular sauna in Gothenburg. For this project in Sweden, the designers Raumlabor Berlin used mostly recycled materials.

5

Solar Egg

Kiruna, Sweden

Artist duo Bigert & Bergström’s jewel of a sauna – which also serves as a citizens’ forum – is currently on tour. You can visit it in Paris from late November until December 10. Then the Solar Egg will go back to its home base in Lappland.

6

Yäan Wellness Energy Spa

Tulum, Mexico

Sweat fests are not exclusive to the Far North, but take place close to the equator, too, like here in Mexico. Hard to imagine a more stylish place to perspire than Tulum, where architect Sebastian Sas has fulfilled a dream.

7

Refugio Lagazuoi

The Dolomites, Italy

Barrel with a view: This sauna bath on top of Lagazuoi Mountain in Italy is the most elevated of any in the Dolomites – at 2752 meters. Luckily, both the sauna and the cabin that goes with it are easily accessible via cable car.

8

Aro HĀ

Glenorchy, New Zealand

Minimalist design and natural materials define this retreat created by Tennent Brown in New Zealand. As your gaze wanders across Lake Wakatipu, you’ll know what it means to be in the glorious middle of nowhere.